29 Jun 2020
The world might still be not be able to travel just yet, but Singapore keeps working non-stop behind the scenes to be able to welcome visitors as soon as it is safe to do so. Not only is Singapore home to Asia's Best Bar, there are also exciting new hotels and attractions in the pipeline and your next trip to Singapore will be even safer thanks to SG Clean – an accreditation scheme that verifies cleanliness standards across tourism and lifestyle venues. To date, over 800 SG Clean certificates have been issued for tourism establishments.
LATEST UPDATES
Singapore's Jigger & Pony named Asia's Best Bar
For the very first time, Singapore's cocktail bar, Jigger & Pony, has become Asia's Best Bar, as announced at last month's edition of Asia's 50 Best Bars Awards. Jigger & Pony, located at Amara Singapore hotel, climbed eight spots from its number 9 position last year. The cocktail bar boasts a fun-time ethos and relaxed style of hospitality, which is complemented by an excellent classic drinks list - the Ramos Gin Fizz is a must. As well as Asia's Best Bar, Singapore is also home to Asia's Best Restaurant, Odette, featuring three Michelin stars.
Explore Singapore's treasures online
Although Singapore's world-class museums and historic buildings are temporarily closed, culture vultures can still get their fix by viewing their collections of artefacts, paintings and sculptures online – and with free admission. Some of the museums offering virtual tours include:
- National Museum of Singapore: The recent An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore mega exhibition at the museum has returned – online – one year on since the commemoration of Singapore's Bicentennial in London. Visitors can virtually explore 200 years of history dating back to the bustling world of the Dutch and British East India companies from the early 17th century.
https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/
- Singapore Philatelic Museum: Stamp collectors are not the only ones who will enjoy this museum. Guests can visit its premises virtually and explore past exhibits, which run the gamut from history of Singapore to special exhibits such as Harry Potter and DC Comics Super Heroes.
https://www.nhb.gov.sg/spm/who-we-are/resources/virtual-tours
- The Istana: Not exactly a museum or an exhibition, but The Istana (means 'palace' in Malay) is worth a visit as it is the official office of the President of the Republic of Singapore. Guests can visit the Neo-Palladian style palace via a virtual tour and explore the rooms where very important dignitaries are honoured and entertained at state functions.
https://www.istana.gov.sg/360-tour
Singapore Heritage Festival goes online too!
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a high-tech time machine and travelling to your favourite moment in the past? Despite not having a time machine, Singapore Heritage Festival 2020: Digital Edition will do the next best thing and transport visitors back into a different space and time to experience Singapore's colourful history and heritage virtually. This year's virtual festival will feature a variety of food demonstrations and guided tours of places such as the former Marine Police Headquarter. Singapore Heritage Festival is running online until 31 July.
https://www.heritagefestival.sg/
'Singapore up' your meetings with virtual backgrounds
Next time you are having a video conference with your colleagues or loved ones, you can let them know that you are in Singapore – virtually of course. Singapore Tourism Board has created 14 different backgrounds for people to experience Singapore from wherever they are. From the soaring towers of Marina Bay Sands to the surreal super trees of Gardens by the Bay, these colourful virtual backgrounds will definitely make your next virtual meeting much more aesthetically pleasing and fun. The backgrounds can be downloaded here:
https://www.visitsingapore.com/editorials/covid19-guide/virtual-backgrounds/
Savour Singapore flavours at home – easy!
A group of local Singaporeans known as The MeatMen have created a series of videos to bring great Singapore flavours to the comfort of our own homes. A collection of three iconic cocktails (Singapore Sling, Pei Pa Koa Old Fashioned and Kaya Toast Cocktail) as well as three tasty dishes (Kueh Dadar, Chwee Kueh and Urad Dal Vada) can now be easily prepared at home thanks to these step-by-step guided videos. The recipes can be found on The MeatMen's YouTube channel.
The Clan Hotel opening Q4 2020
The latest property in the Far East Hospitality collection, The Clan Hotel draws inspiration from a bygone era and the pioneering spirit of hope, aspiration and comradeship that prevailed and built Singapore. Due to open in November 2020, the new property will consist of 324 rooms, all available to check into from the airport, where limousine transfers and luggage forwarding will also be on offer. Situated close to Raffles Place, in Singapore's Central Business District, The Clan Hotel will provide personalised precinct tours, photo walks and food tours.
What to look forward to in 2021 and beyond
New 2021 event: Art SG
2021 will see the inaugural edition of Art SG, the Singapore art fair. Set to be the leading art fair in Southeast Asia, Art SG will be a dynamic new platform showcasing the most visionary and exciting contemporary art from the region and globally. The first edition of Art SG will welcome around 70 significant international galleries alongside a programme of commissioned and site specific installations, experimental film, thought provoking talks and performances. Differentiated from other art fairs, Art SG is geared towards the interests of the globally minded collector and aims to expand these interests by promoting new discourse and connections; encouraging cross-border collecting and a broad network of collectors and galleries forming relationships in Singapore. Art SG will run 5-7 November 2021 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
Two new parks will join Mandai Nature Reserve in 2022
Mandai is a nature precinct famously known for being home to some of Singapore's most popular attractions: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari. Mandai is currently being transformed to become Singapore's integrated wildlife and nature precinct. Two new parks will join the area in 2022:
- Bird Park: Currently named Jurong Bird Park, the attraction will re-open in Mandai by 2022 and will be home to around 3,500 birds across 400 species. Once opened, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in multiple landscapes and vegetation to see the birds in their natural habitats. They will fly freely in nine large walk-in aviaries, and will include colourful birds of paradise, orange-beaked hornbills and vocal parrots, amongst many others.
- Rainforest Park: This new park will focus on Southeast Asian biodiversity. When it opens in 2022, visitors will be able to enjoy a “multi-layered” experience as the attraction will feature elevated walking trails to allow for different perspectives when viewing the flora and fauna.
Within the next 2-3 years, Mandai will also see the creation of new public spaces - including green landscaped decks and boardwalks - and a brand new family-friendly eco-lodge with 400 rooms.
Love in the Lion City: Singapore's 3-day honeymoon guide for 2021
Whether newly married or on a wedding anniversary, Singapore is a perfect destination for couples in the mood for love, especially with the second anniversary of the release of Crazy Rich Asians coming up in August. Singapore's 3-day honeymoon guide is ideal for couples to make the most of the city's most romantic spots and restaurants. The guide includes old-time favourites such as Fort Canning Park and National Gallery Singapore; cosy restaurants Odette and Rhubarb Le Restaurant; and places for couples to just relax (Auriga Spa and Palawan Beach). The full 3-day honeymoon guide can be accessed here. We're ready and waiting for you.
https://www.visitsingapore.com/singapore-itineraries/honeymoon-in-singapore/
Marina Bay Sands to add a new tower
One of Singapore's most recognisable buildings, Marina Bay Sands, will add a new tower to be located adjacent to the three existing ones. The new stand-alone tower has been designed by Safdie Architects and will house 1,000 hotel suites, which will be topped by its own sky roof featuring a swimming pool and restaurant; a 15,000-seat arena for major events and concerts; and additional spaces for the MICE industry. The iconic hotel currently features three 57-storey towers home to the world's highest infinity pool.
Pan Pacific Orchard to open in 2021
Slated to be a showcase of environmental sustainability. Pan Pacific Orchard is the group's first zero-waste hotel. The property, located along Singapore's famed Orchard Road with its distinctive luxury brands, high street shopping and dining options, will have four levels of soaring gardens that will redefine vertical sky-rise typology. The hotel will feature 350 eco-friendly rooms; a rainwater harvesting system; a recyclable water system; and a compactor that turns food waste into compost. Other facilities include a gym, swimming pool, bars and restaurants, a club lounge, and a sky terrace ensconced within the hotel's gardens and cascading greenery.
https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-orchard-sg.html
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About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore's key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, they shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. They bring the 'Passion Made Possible' brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.
For further information on Singapore, please visit: www.visitsingapore.com
For further information, please contact the Singapore team at Four Travel: SingaporeTeam@fourcommunications.com / 020 3697 4200
